Vol. 525 No. 2
276 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposed date for the introduction of real time passenger information display units on the Lucan and Clondalkin QBC's for which funding was provided in 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24306/00]
Bus Átha Cliath has informed me that in February 2000 the real time passenger information system was installed on 14 buses based in Conyngham Road depot. The system was subjected to intensive testing to address both hardware and software issues.
The first on street display was installed at the outbound stop at Parkgate Street in June this year. This was solely intended to test the unit in the operating environment and check its functionality in service. Currently, this display unit provides information relating to the waiting time for buses on routes 25/25A and has proven reliable in service.
An additional eight buses were added to the system in August to enhance the significance of the results of testing and evaluation. Since then, all 22 buses have been monitored and have provided the platform for ongoing system testing.
Following a number of software modifications, the final version of system software was approved by Bus Átha Cliath at the end of October. The company has now commenced the deployment of the system on all remaining buses serving routes operating out of Conyngham Road depot. The installation of electronic bus stop displays is also proceeding.
It is currently anticipated that the electronic display units for the Lucan QBC will be operational in the first quarter of 2001, with the Clondalkin QBC coming on stream in the second quarter of 2001.
